Inside: Black and Grey Tattoo Work.
What are Black and Grey Tattoos?
Black and grey is a style of tattooing that uses only black ink in varying shades. This tattooing style is thought to have originated from prisons in the 1970s and 1980s and was later popularized in tattoo parlors.
Key Takeaways:
- The black and grey aesthetic is not the same as black and white in the tattoo industry.
- Black and grey tattoos take less time to complete.
- Some artists choose to be black and grey tattoo artists because they like knowing their design has longevity.
Realistic Black and Grey Tattoo Work Artists
If you want a stunning black and grey piece, you may consider looking for a black and grey tattoo artist who has made it their mission to master the art of realistic black and grey tattoos.
What are Realistic Black and Grey Tattoos?
The black and grey aesthetic is not the same as black and white in the tattoo industry.
A black and grey tattoo artist will mix different amounts of black with a dilution substance to create grey “washes.” In a black and white tattoo, the artist will mix their black pigment with different amounts of white ink. Though both techniques are used in the tattoo industry, most artists will use the former. In a black and grey tattoo, your artist will use “empty skin” to create dimension in the piece. Generally speaking, black and grey tattoos take less time to complete.
Black and Grey Tattoo Inspiration
Are Black and Grey Tattoos Faster?
In a black and grey tattoo, your skin is one of the “colors” in your artist’s toolkit. Other than that, the needle is just going to be dipping into different shades of black and grey. A black and grey tattoo artist doesn’t need to take much time rinsing pigment from their tube. In a color tattoo, every color needs to maintain it’s integrity for the design to look its best. This can mean more time spent carefully rinsing the tattoo tube, which can add up if you’re paying hourly.
Does Black and Grey Tattoo Work Cost More?
Depending on the piece, it is likely that a black ad grey design will cost less than a color piece. Color designs just take more care, and your artist has to take that into consideration for pricing.
Do Black and Grey Tattoos Heal Better?
Black and grey tattoos tend to maintain their integrity over time. While they are just as susceptible to fading and sun damage as color tattoos, black and grey pieces fade evenly. Because everything in a black and grey piece comes from the same pigment, there is no risk of one part fading before another. Color tattoos may have several colors in one small area to create visual drama and rich tones. While this is a stunning effect, you run the risk of losing some colors over time. With any tattoo, it may be a good idea to have it touched up over time, but with a color tattoo, it’s especially important if you want them to stay vibrant. Some artists choose to be black and grey tattoo artists because they like knowing their design has longevity.
Black and Grey Tattoo Work Examples
I'm Victoria Hudgins founder of Tattoo Glee and managing editor. I'm a Tattoo Stylist and love helping others find the best way to express all the fun and joy that is within them! Follow along with my posts for all the celebratory style your next ink design is needing.